Review: Elize: Shadows of a Woman Feels Like a Missed Opportunity

Netflix is no stranger to the case of Elize Matsunaga, having previously covered the 2012 murder of entrepreneur Marcos Matsunaga in a detailed docuseries. This new dramatic film, Elize: Shadows of a Woman, aims to shift the focus from the investigation to the psychological reasons behind the crime. It traces the couple’s relationship from their start through the years of turmoil leading up to the final, fatal conflict.

The film follows Elize, played by Lorena Comparato, as she deals with a manipulative husband who gaslights her while continuing his own infidelity. The narrative points toward a history of childhood abuse and a sense of being trapped, attempting to explain her actions. By focusing heavily on these internal struggles, the movie tries to frame the murder as a moment of desperation rather than a calculated act.

Despite the intense subject matter, the film falls flat. It leaves out many of the grittier, well known details of the case, which feels like a disservice to the audience. By choosing to highlight only specific parts of the story, the film leans too hard into generating sympathy for Elize, making the final result feel biased and incomplete. It misses the chance to cover the media frenzy or the intense trial that made the original case so famous in Brazil.

Ultimately, the movie is a bit of a letdown. While it is not necessarily a bad watch, it fails to be as compelling as the real life events it is based on. If you are already interested in true crime, you might find the docuseries a much more satisfying choice. Elize: Shadows of a Woman is currently streaming on Netflix for those who still want to check it out.